In John 15, Jesus teaches us that we are to abide in Him (vv. 4-5). We abide (stay in, continue in, dwell in, remain in) Jesus when we learn of Him (Mt 11:29), come to know Him and obey His commandments (1 Jn 2:3-4). Our Lord said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love (v. 10).”
Jesus also says in John 15 that He abides in us (vv. 4-5). “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” How does Jesus abide in us? “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you….” (v. 7). Jesus abides in us through the living and powerful word of God (Heb 4:12). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom….” (Col 3:16).
Paul further clarifies this point: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me….” (Gal 2:20). But, as indicated by this text, before Christ can effectively live in us the old man must be crucified. That is, we must die to self (to our will when opposed to God’s will). “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in (direct our lives in conformity with) the Spirit” (Gal 5:24-25).
As John lovingly reminds us, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked (1 Jn 2:6). Our inspiration and motivation for doing this is eloquently expressed a few verses later: “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (1 Jn 2:28).
Terry Schmidt
11/16/2016
